‘Aston Villa could accept Ollie Watkins offer after Marcus Rashford latest’
Aston Villa are bracing to receive offers for Ollie Watkins amid interest from Liverpool and Man United, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected within the game, exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea and Arsenal are also keeping an eye on the 29-year-old’s situation.
Marcus Rashford’s emergence while on loan at Villa Park has impacted the striker’s playing time, and a permanent move could force Watkins to consider other options.
This comes after Football Insider exclusively revealed on 21 April that Aston Villa will entertain Watkins’ sale should they receive offers of £50-60million.
With an impressive record of 15 goals and seven assists across 33 Premier League games this season, the country’s elite clubs are all eyeing a move in case he decides to quit.
The striker is “definitely” still considered part of Unai Emery’s plans, but there is a growing feeling he will be allowed to leave if an acceptable offer is made.
Aston Villa open to Ollie Watkins offers amid four-club race
Arsenal had a bid for Watkins rejected during the January transfer window, but that has done little to deter their long-held interest in the England forward.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has explained that there will be a race to sign Watkins should he become available at Villa Park.
“I put in a lot of effort to convince Villa to sign Watkins when I was there,” he told Football Insider.
“The reason for that is he’s different to most strikers at the moment because he always wants to stretch the defence, drift wide and run in behind.
“He’s done that very well in his time at Villa and shown he can do it in the England team as well.
“There have always been little question marks about his control and his consistency in front of goal.
“But he never stops working and improving and I think that’s been clear to see, and he scores plenty.
“So from what I hear, Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been having a look at him, and so have Arsenal after they tried to sign him.
“What’s happened at Villa is Marcus Rashford has come in and he plays that same role as Watkins.
“He looks like he’s back to his best and so he’s being chosen to start some of the big games for Emery.
“Watkins is definitely still a part of their plans, but he’s not going to be happy playing second fiddle to Rashford if they make that deal permanent.
“If that is the case, I’d expect those four teams I mentioned before all to make a move.
“Villa will be ready for that, they know about the interest and if an offer is made that they deem acceptable, he may well leave the club.
“That would then leave space for Rashford to come in and they’d probably want another one too.”
Liverpool eye Watkins swoop after Alexander Isak interest
Amid growing interest in Watkins’ situation, Liverpool have emerged as potential front-runners in their efforts to sign the England international.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 18 April that Liverpool are closely monitoring Watkins’ situation and could attempt to bring him to Anfield.
The striker is viewed as an alternative to Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, who has been viewed as the top target for Arne Slot’s side this summer.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool want to sign a world-class forward to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season.
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